TWO separate winners will win ONE book each. However, you only have to post ONCE and you will have the chance to win each of the books.

Allison is one of those authors who takes the time to connect with her fans, and is also willing to help other writers. She's on Facebook and Twitter - she's very fun to follow, if you haven't connected with her online. She's had the opportunity to interview some very hot celebs, and has freelanced for years as well as written NYT bestsellers. Her latest, The One That I Want is out in paperback next week, but you can win it here THIS WEEK!

The premise:

Tilly Farmer is thirty-two years old and has the perfect life she always dreamed of: married to her high school sweetheart, working as a school guidance counselor, trying for a baby. Perfect.

But one sweltering afternoon at the local fair, everything changes. Tilly wanders into a fortune teller's tent and meets an old childhood friend, who offers her more than just a reading. "I'm giving you the gift of clarity," her friend says. "It's what I always thought you needed." And soon enough, Tilly starts seeing things: her alcoholic father relapsing, staggering out of a bar with his car keys in hand; her husband uprooting their happy, stable life, a packed U-Haul in their driveway. And even more disturbing, these visions start coming true. Suddenly Tilly's perfect life, so meticulously mapped out, seems to be crumbling around her. And as she furiously races to keep up with - and hopefully change - her destiny, she faces the question: Which life does she want? The one she's carefully nursed for decades, or the one she never considered possible?

I'm also very excited about her fourth book, which will be out early 2012 called, The Song Remains the Same!Sneak Peek HERE!

And for all you writers out there with any kind of questions at all, don't forget to check out Allison's blog, Ask Allison, where she is always available to answer your writing questions! It's a great blog, very helpful and inspiring!

The next book to give away is one that Allison personally recommends, The Orphan Sister, by Gwendolen Gross, which I am completely engrossed in right now. Allison calls it “a gorgeous portrait of life, love, loss and sisterhood.”

I read five chapters while getting my hair colored today and cannot wait until later tonight when I can escape into some quiet time to continue reading. Gwendolen has written three other books, her most recent was The Other Mother, which I also loved and devoured. Her writing is so fluid and full of imagery, and The Orphan Sister is already so suspenseful and such a page-turner.

Here is the book’s premise:

Clementine Lord is not an orphan. She just feels like one sometimes. One of triplets, a quirk of nature left her the odd one out. Odette and Olivia are identical; Clementine is a singleton. Biologically speaking, she came from her own egg. Practically speaking, she never quite left it. Then Clementine’s father—a pediatric neurologist who is an expert on children’s brains, but clueless when it comes to his own daughters—disappears, and his choices, both past and present, force the family dynamics to change at last. As the three sisters struggle to make sense of it, their mother must emerge from the greenhouse and leave the flowers that have long been the focus of her warmth and nurturing.

For Clementine, the next step means retracing the winding route that led her to this very moment: to understand her father’s betrayal, the tragedy of her first lost love, her family’s divisions, and her best friend Eli’s sudden romantic interest. Most of all, she may finally have found the voice with which to share the inside story of being the odd sister out. . . .

To enter to win either one of these awesome books, tell me if you think you can judge a book by its cover? Is there a certain book cover you love? Personally, I love both these book covers. I love the book covers where you can't tell what the character looks like. I always like to imagine for myself who the character is.

Don't forget to enter for any of the previous books that you may have missed. AS LONG AS A WINNER's NAME is NOT posted at the top of the blog post, then that means a winner has NOT yet been chosen so you can still enter to win that book but ONLY ONE TIME per book entry PLEASE!

If you're new here, check out the rules and other stuff for the June Blast-O-Books there under that highlighted link back there, or feel free to leave me a comment always and I'll answer it in the thread, or email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. It is always at my discretion to change things up, and because of some regulations, I guess I must say that the books I review are given to me by either the authors or publishers or publicists, and I am never paid for my reviews, and they are my own personal reviews, and you know what, because I'm here telling you this anyway, I will also tell you that I never review a book I don't like, because you know what, why waste my time, life is too short to read a crappy book! There. There's my new mantra!

Some books have obvious clues on the cover...eg., vampires, etc., and I know it isn't my genre. But other times the book can be very good, and you don't expect it from the cover. I am always attracted to covers with dogs.

I don't think you can judge a book by its cover, but I admit that I am guilty of doing so. Some covers just put me off, while others make me desperate to get my hands on them. I would LOVE to win The Orphan Sister, it's on my wish list. I already own and have read The One That I Want, so I don't want to win it and not give another reader the chance to enjoy it as much as I did :)

I agree, Stephanie. I like the fact that both of these covers leave the character to the reader's imagination. And, to answer your question, it may not be possible to judge a book by its cover 100%, but I'm guilty of doing that all of the time. If the cover catches my attention, then I'll read the premise of the story to decide if I want to read the book. ☺

I have actually been thinking a LOT lately about whether I am a culprit of judging a book by its cover. I think I am. I like bright colors or a little pattern or something that catches my eye, and I always spend a significant amount of time looking at the covers of books in determining which one(s) I want to purchase. Although...that's all changed a bit since I got a Kindle for Christmas.

i feel like most of the time you can't judge a book by it's cover, but so many of us are guilty of doing it anyway! there are some covers that will just catch your eye and some that will be completely the opposite of what you're looking for.

I would LOVE to read "The Orphan Sister"!, I already read "The One That I Want" and it was fabulous!I love both of the covers, they are so different. I think sometimes people DO judge a book by it's cover, but maybe unintentionally. At least I hope so, because I have read some great books with not so great covers. You just have to give them a chance.I like covers that have scenic pictures.

I dont think it's easy to judge a book by its cover, or right...but it does happen. I would LOVE to win The Orphan Sister, it's on my wish list. I already own and have read and loved The One That I Want. If I win it, I will donate it to the library.

As a librarian, I shouldn't admit this, but I totally choose books (for me) by their cover. I know that the authors can't choose the covers, but it still influences me. Some of the best books I own were bought because of their covers: Outlander being the first that comes to mind.

I truly try not to judge a book by it's cover (though I have and passed on what actually turned out to be a great book...after I finally got over it and read it) as I want to just go with it and see what lies beyond the cover...a lot like how I try every day not to judge a person by their appearance and get to know them for who they are.

I'm sure that you can't judge a book by it's cover but I always do. When I am browsing in the store for new authors I will purchase books solely based on the title and cover. Case in point, I bought the Aqua Net Diaries just because it has a shiny blue hairspray bottle on the front. Authors need to make it appealing because sometimes that's all you have to grab a reader.

I tend to go for books that have an interesting title rather than a cool cover. I don't think you can really judge the book just on what the cover looks like...it's the title that grabs MY attention! Nan :)

Actually, I always judge a book by it's cover (in a literary sense...not in a life sense) for some reason I really need a cover to be interesting and aestheticlly (sp?) pleasing for me. I know it's not right but I tend to like books that have a cover that I like over covers I do not like.

I really enjoy the covers for Kriten Higgins' books. They are super adorable and fun....just like her books.

You can't judge a book by its cover, but I am definitely drawn to to some books I read by a good-looking cover. I can't think of any specific books, but I have always thought the books you talk about in your blogs have great covers.

I also do not think you can judge a book by its cover. Some great ones have meh covers, but if I am looking for a beach read I will go for the ones with the bright, girly covers. The one that I want sounds like a fun beach read.

You know what's funny? I never thought about the picture on the front, but I TOTALLY judge on the font type. If it's that scrolly/fancy/elaborate = romancetypewriter/tall/narrow = men's fictionall lower case skinny script = chic fiction.

I think people DO judge books by their covers (if they didn't, marketing people would be out of jobs!), but it's not an accurate way to judge a book; you may get an idea of the genre if the job was done correctly, but you can't judge the quality.

I've been known to pick up a book because of the cover, but I still read about the plot before I buy.

I am so guilty of judging a book by its cover. I will browse the library or bookstore picking up books solely based on what the cover looks like. I have read many fabulous books with unappealing covers based on recommendations from others, but I never would have found them on my own!

If it's an author I don't know I am usually drawn to the cover. I love the cover of Good Enough to Eat by Stacey Ballis. I like that you can't see her face. I too like to imagine for my self what they look like.

I don't think you can judge a book by it's cover but it's what I do. I pick up a couple pretty books (or dark or brooding or intelligent looking) read the firs couple sentences, walk around the store with them, and then choose by price. So initial judgement- looks final decision- Financial (which is usually printed on the cover!)

I say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but when i'm at the bookstore and have unlimited possibilities I quickly scan and see what catches my eye. I have found great new authors that way, yet I've also missed a few so know I try harder not to - although it doesn't always work!RebeccaE

I am so guilty of picking up a book by its cover...I do love when you cant see their faces too so I can imagine that character how I want to. One of my favorites is Sarah Pekkanen's book covers- gorgeous!

For me, I take in everything...colors chosen, the title, fonts, photos, the feel of the book...even the way the author's name appears on the cover. I judge whether or not care went into the choices...or not. Every writer's work is a "child" so to speak...so I want to see if I like how that child is "raised" before I even pick it up. Sometimes I know I'll like it on sight (Jen Lancaster's titles crack me up) and other times I have to flip it over to see what it is about. With people...same thing applies. I don't discount anyone...but I do gather information from the presentation...but I don't decide on sight whether I like them or not! Both of these books sound great. Would love to win either one. :) ktmixon315

I would buy "The One That I Want" Just for the cover. I love the cover of this book! It makes me want to read it right now! It makes me think of the woman secretly hiding behind a bubble glass door. Quite mysterious!

I would buy "The One That I Want" Just for the cover. I love the cover of this book! It makes me want to read it right now! It makes me think of the woman secretly hiding behind a bubble glass door. Quite mysterious!

I like covers where you can't see the character too. I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover but I do. If a cover has any military reference, I won't pick it up. Same with a couple embracing (romance).

The only thing covers do for me is leave a lasting impression, or not, after I finish the book. I tend to be attracted more to the titles, as you can never tell off the bat what a story will be about. But even more so after I read the first paragraph on the inside cover will convince me whether to get the book or not,

Sometimes, if the cover of the book looks boring, the book is boring but other times you can be pleasantly surprised. At other times the cover looks interesting but the book is boring. So I don't think you can always judge a book by its cover.

You definitely can't judge a book by its cover. Figuratively or literally. I picked up a book recently and bought it purely because I liked the cover. Ive been trying to read it for weeks now and its kinda boring. And I cant just stop reading it and move on to something new. I also would rather not have a picture of the character because what I envision is always so much better.

I don't think you can judge a book by it's cover. There are times when a cover really disappoints, but other times, it really makes you want to read it. I like covers that make you imagine what the book will be about.

I do not think you can always judge a book by its cover, but often book covers do evoke a certain emotion. Like with "The One that I Want" the woman in the rain gives off a romantic or whimsical vibe. "The Orphan Sister" cover feels more sad and isolated.

I don't think you can judge a book by its cover, but if I see a bright or pretty cover, I pick up the book to see what it's about. Some of my favorite books have "boring" covers. My favorite book covers are the Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty.

I don't always judge a book by its cover but I will pick up a book and ready about it just by looking at an attractive cover! I have bought books before just because I got sucked in by the cover. Sometimes they are as interesting as the cover, sometimes they are not!! lol

I judge a book by its cover sometimes. If I am just browsing for my next read , but have nothing in particular in mind I will pick something that catches my eye. It doesn't always work out. I have ended up with some I didn't enjoy that way. Sometimes reading the jacket is enough to convince me that judging a book by its cover is not always good.

I know I definitely judge a book by its cover. As a relatively "new" reader I'll go to book stores and just skim the shelves and if I see something out of the ordinary (whether it be a hot pink cover or really pretty print) and I'll pick it up and read the sleeve to see if I think I'll be interested.

I love a beautiful book cover! Even though I don't think it can tell you the quality of the story inside it definitely helps me reach for it and read the synopsis in the first place. I love covers with people turned ever so slightly so you can't see their features...it also needs to have pleasing colors (greens, blues, pinks) to really catch my eye!

Awesome contest!! I hate to admit but I definitely judge books by their covers but unfortunately I've learned the more I read and the more I find out about the publishing industry, you really CANNOT judge a book by its cover. In fact, more often, its the books and authors who already have a tremendous following who get the best covers; when unknown books who could use a boost from a fabulous, bright or creative cover, often go overlooked and looking plain and unnoticeable:( I love cartoon, candy covered covers. They are just so inviting to me; like the UK I Heart series by Lindsey Kelk. cgraceh@gmail.com

I do judge books by their cover, especially when I'm at the library and have no idea what I am in the mood for. I usually pull random books off the shelf and decide. I don't think it's necessarily fair. :)

I probably initially judge a book by it's cover. That is what first draws me to a book, hopefully after that it ends up being a great story as well. I wonder how many great stories I have missed because the cover didn't grab me?

I love the covers of both of these books and I am drawn to read them. I think right now the cover I love the most is Violets of March by Sarah Jio. Love it!

Most of the books that I buy are ones that are either recommended by friends, other authors, and blogs (like this one! :) But, if I'm out browsing in the store, I judge a book more on its title than I do the cover. Having a pretty cover is a major bonus. For example, I don't really want a book sitting on my shelf that has the picture of a bloody stump or something :-p

I do judge a book by it's cover. Although, lately i've been judging by the reviews (then the cover)I couldn't wait to read "the book" because of the cover and once I started reading it I was really bored and didn't finish it

I don't think you can always judge a book by it's cover. My favorite covers are the ones that Emily Giffin, Jenifer Weiner, Jane Green and Marian Keyes do...I think the covers are what sucked me into reading all of those authors and now I'm hoooked! Oh and Sophie Kinsella...I love her shopaholic covers, they are so girly and fun! :)

I shouldn't but I totally judge books based on the cover. If I am at the library and in search of a book, I tend to go for the interesting covers or by the title alone. You have to hook me visually, before I will read the jacket to see if it is for me. LeslieGC

I'm definitely drawn to new authors based on the cover. That's what gets me to stop and pick it up to read the back. I tend to love simple covers (like Emily Giffins) and love the way they look on my bookshelf!

I know that you really shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, however, if a cover is unappealing I probably won't even pick it up. A cover has to catch my attention, then I will read more about it to see if I might like it.

I don 't think you can judge a book by its cover. I amalways rushed when i go to the library and uaually always just grab a book where the cover grabs my attention. I am smetimes diappointed but often surprised and find new authors that i love.

I don't think you can, but I have to admit that I do. I also hate when they change the covers to the movie poster. Most recent book I was lulled into by the cover was Shiver. It was okay, but not as good as it's cover. I love all of Alison's covers.

I don't think you can completely judge a book by it's cover. However I do choose books with pictures on the front. I don't normally pick up books where it just shows the title. It's like clothes, it has to capture my attention before I will try it on.

I must admit, I do judge books by their cover. Well, at least I tend to pick them based on the cover. I'm more likely to pick up a fun bright pink cover rather than something with dull colors. That doesn't mean that I won't read it if I don't like the cover, but I'm less likely to grab it at the bookstore.

I think you can tell a huge amount about the cover of a book. It has a lot of information like the title and author. That may tell you if you may like the it or not. Also there is usually a picture. A picture is worth a thousand words. It could indicate if it's a kids book, romance or a war novel. I totally think you can judge a book by its cover.

You can't judge a book by it's cover, but it's always the ones that are "obscure" that catch my attention. I tend to like titles first and then look at whether the cover goes with it. I usually like ones that are sort of funny. Would love these books!

I don't believe you can judge a book by its cover or by its title some times! I have read some books, like Water For Elephants, that the name and cover both wouldn't have made me pick it up and read it. But, it turned out to be a very good book.

I do not think you should judge a book by it's cover. HOwever, with that being said, I do pick the books I read by their cover =(. Thankfully I no longer need to do that as you are providing me with an amazing reading list =)!

I totally do judge a book by its cover, which probably means I've missed out on some good books - but what can you do when faced with millions of them? The book cover is probably what I miss most about using a Kindle - sure it's there, but not unless I seek it out whenever I pick up the book to read.

And I HATE the covers for books turned into movies. I may love the book, but I'll go seek out its original cover - that tells me so much more than what Cameron Diaz looked like as the main character, et.

I always try not to judge a book by its cover. But having said that that is how I discovered Jen Lancaster. The first book I read of hers was "Such a Pretty Fat". I have been hooked on her books ever since.Nicole

While some amazing books have awful covers, you won't pick it up because it doesn't look nice. In library school we were taught to replace children's and teen books with newer copies every few years because kids won't read books with boring covers.

I have always loved sci-fi and fantasy book covers. My favorites are on Anne McCaffery's books and my favorite of those is the first book of hers that I read, The White Dragon. It still catches my eye.

I don't think you can judge a book by it's cover, however I am drawn to some books more than others because of the way they look. And when it comes to picking out books for my kids - if they cover doesn't catch my eye, it may be a while until I pick up the book.

Oh I'm a sucker for a good book cover! If it is a good cover then I'll look and see what the book is about! I love covers with beach scenes and I love the covers from Nora Roberts Bride series those are really pretty covers!! So many gorgous covers lately!!shannonjean14(at)gmail(dot)com